Gwen Svekis named IU softball volunteer assistant coach

Then-sophomore utility player Gabbi Jenkins high-fives assistant coach Kendall Fearn during a game against Michigan in the 2018 season. Jenkins had three hits against Boston College on Feb. 17 to give IU a win in the 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Bobby GoddinBuy Photos

After leading Oregon to the Women’s College World Series for the third time in her four seasons with the Ducks, Gwen Svekis has joined IU softball as a volunteer assistant coach.

In 2018, Svekis batted .324 with 57 hits, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs and 42 runs scored. She was a three-time All-Pacific Region selection and was an NFCA First Team All-American. Svekis was also named the 2018 NFCA National Catcher of the Year.

“Some of my mentors in the softball world had nothing but incredible things to say about the IU coaching staff,” Svekis said in an IU Athletics press release. “When I heard that there was an opening, I was so excited to pursue the position. This coaching staff is the staff that I want to learn under and couldn't be more excited to soak up all of the knowledge that they've accumulated over their years to hopefully propel me into my future endeavors as a coach. I'm also extremely excited to pass on the knowledge I have gained to the girls on the team and watch this program grow towards its potential.”

Svekis was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bandits in the 2018 National Pro Fastpitch League. She was also a part of Team USA’s 2016 Women’s Elite Team and played in the World Cup of Softball. Svekis had a hit in eight of Oregon’s nine Women’s College World Series games in 2018 and was the No. 16 prep recruit in the nation coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida.

“We are excited to add the caliber of athlete and individual in Gwen to our program,” IU Coach Shonda Stanton said in the press release. “She was a stud for the Ducks and has successfully competed at the highest levels. She will be a tremendous asset with her passion for the game and interest in helping to develop our Hoosiers.”

Phillip Steinmetz

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